AfDB Appoints Keyamo to Lead Africa's Aviation Programme

The African Development Bank (AfDB) has appointed Festus Keyamo, Nigeria's Minister of Aviation, as the champion of its Integrated Aviation Transformation Programme for Africa. This initiative aims to mobilize $7 billion to support the aviation sector across the continent.

The appointment, confirmed in a letter received on Wednesday, follows recognition of Nigeria's leadership vision and its efforts to implement reforms that enhance investor confidence in the aviation industry. Keyamo's role will place him at the forefront of driving infrastructure development and policy coordination across Africa's air transport industry.

The AfDB plans to secure substantial investments for Africa's aviation ecosystem by combining private institutions and concession funds. Despite Africa accounting for nearly 18% of the world's population, its airlines contribute less than 3% to global air traffic.

The programme seeks to reverse this trend and modernize Africa's aviation ecosystem. Keyamo is also invited to the AfDB's annual meeting scheduled to be held in Brazzaville, Congo.